May Our Hearts Be Full of Thanks — And Giving! Wherever We Are in the World! Seventeen Ways To do Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is upon us. This time last year I was setting a far smaller table than in previous years. I've hosted as many as 20 for Thanksgiving dinner, which is a lot given that my immediate family members number five and most everyone else I'm related to by blood or marriage live about as far from my table as could be. Thanksgiving being an American holiday, on the rare occasions that we've had family over from Europe in November, they've very much enjoyed our version of turkey day without all the extra layers of Christmas.

I always thought it would be nice to host a bunch of students who were far from home and did so for several years when my youngest son, Dom, was a student at UC Davis. 

2020 was a different story for all of us. And it was a beautiful day weather-wise, so at our house, we set up outside and enjoyed a long walk, followed by a more intimate gathering of six in the afternoon sunshine. 

This year we're back up to nine. It'll be an outdoor gathering if the weather permits. One of the positive aspects of the pandemic era has been that we're more inclined to give ourselves, our hosts, family members and our guests permission to mix things up — a little, or a lot, when it comes to holiday entertaining. 

It really is fun to hear of the many different ways that friends plan to celebrate the day, or not, if it's a quiet day of contemplation in giving thanks that appeals. I reached out on social media to find out what kind of festivities are afoot. 

Here's what's in the mix:

"We're mixing it up this year, and having dessert first and early! Everyone wants a different pie flavor; all of the great pie makers are too busy to fit us in for delivery on the day, so.... we're having dessert this Saturday, with 7 mini pies. I can't wait for this pie-extravaganza."

Sue D

"We do the traditional Thanksgiving meal on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day we might go to the beach or to the city or the east bay for Chinese Food. Out of town family members often travel on Thanksgiving Day cuz it’s cheaper and less crowded."

Val R

"Return to tradition"

Tamara A

"I am hoping to dine outside, we do every year. it is one of my favorites, Autumn in CA."

Allison W.M. 

"Spending the day with my family for the first time in over a year & half. I am making a traditional thanksgiving dinner..3 days later Chanukah starts this year." 

Julie P

 

"Yes first Thanksgiving with my moral vegetarian father and our family of four in Las Vegas. I will have all the usual side dishes of course . But food will not be the focus- instead family and good times and may be a little casino show for the fun."

Heidi A 

 

"Driving north to Moms for a small family gathering. Still sensitive to the pandemic so not the extended family yet. Ham dinner ordered in and bringing a few special sides and deserts! Hanging with 91 year old Mom is the centerpiece!"

Jane S

 

"Love April Pantry in Petaluma & we’re having them cater a traditional Tday dinner instead of this mom cooking the traditional Tday dinner all by herself. Still immediate fam only like last year (5 adults & a 2-y-o ) to keep it safe."

Leslie C

"We are meeting a group of about 25-30 Expats at a restaurant called Malandrinos in Orvieto. The chef will prepare the turkey, potatoes and stuffing and many will bring their favorite American dishes. This will be our first Thanksgiving out of California."

Margaret V

"After cooking turkey for over 200+ meals on wheels guests, no turkey for thanksgiving! Standing pork roast with Demi glacé and poached dried fruit compote. Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts, savory porcini bread pudding and of course Little sweet pickles in honor of my great aunt Helen who hosted thanksgiving. Cheers. Pairs nicely with a Pinot or Chardonnay. I’m partial to Hanzell vineyards!"

 

Tracy G

 

 

"My kids requested a roasted chicken this year instead of turkey. So, I was planning that, along with cornbread dressing, cranberry compote, roast brussel sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade dinner rolls, and pies (sweet potato pie and an apple pie). BUT, our priest at St. John's Episcopal Petaluma sent out an urgent request to help him host 10 Afghani refugee families newly resettled in Petaluma. So we're doing that instead."

 

Monty S

 

 

"I am doing a brined Turkey, but with celery root gratin (that’s a new one), grandmas cranberry relish. My bonus daughter is doing a Brussel sprout yumminess, and maybe a sausage stuffing."

 

Thea D

 

 

 

"We usually co-host our T-day weekend at a country cabin with no TV, no Black Friday shopping. But due to remodeling of the cabin, this year we are instead being feted by dear friends in Petaluma. Not our usual weekend, but Dave will get to watch all his football games, the girls will get to shop, and I will provide only side dishes-, stuffing, cranberry sauce, chutney and pie."

 

Lynn H.K. 

 

 

"Hanging out with very close friends at a Thanksgiving potluck. Eight or so people that we've known for 30 or so years. Looking forward to it!"

 

Val H M

 

 

"We are opting for Surf and Turf on a beach in Florida this year."

 

Anja W

 

 

"Heading for Costa Mesa with Brenda and daughter Erin to break bread with son Jack and his bride Tori. Much music will be made."

 

John M 

 

 

"Family is here - smoked turkey and all the sides! I always add something different and this year it's the twice roasted kabocha squash! Love all the food of Thanksgiving - but especially love a day dedicated to gratitude! So much to be thankful for! Life is a precious gift!"

 

Denise R 

 

However you are spending your day on Thanksgiving this year, may it bring peace and contentment and gratitude for where we are and how far we've come over the past year and a half. Cheers to you and yours!